Atletico Madrid - Betis: can Atletico beat Betis for the second match in a row?
The 23rd-round clash between Atletico Madrid and Betis will take place on Sunday, February 8, kicking off at 18:30 CET. I am offering a betting pick for this match.
Atletico - Betis: match facts and head-to-head
- Atletico have lost only once in their last seven matches.
- At home, Atletico have recorded two wins and two defeats.
- This season, Atletico Madrid have scored in every home match.
- Betis have lost three of their last five matches.
- Betis have conceded goals in five consecutive matches.
- Away from home, Betis are winless in four straight matches: three defeats and one draw.
- Atletico Madrid boast the best defence in La Liga, conceding just 17 goals.
- This season, Atletico Madrid have won 33% of their matches with a clean sheet.
- In 42% of their matches this season, Atletico Madrid have scored in both halves.
- Just a few days ago, Atletico Madrid thrashed Betis 5-0.
Atletico Madrid - Betis: match preview
A few days ago, Atletico Madrid faced Betis in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. The match ended in a crushing 5-0 victory for Los Rojiblancos, achieved away from home and securing Diego Simeone’s side a place in the semi-finals.
As for La Liga, Atletico Madrid currently sit third in the table. They have collected 45 points from 22 matches and trail second place by nine points. Their cushion over fourth place stands at three points, although Villarreal still have a game in hand and could close the gap.
Betis also have their own battle to fight, this time for European qualification. They currently occupy fifth place in the La Liga standings with 35 points after 22 rounds. Their lead over sixth place is just one point, and over seventh place two points. As a result, Betis have nothing guaranteed yet and will have to fight for European spots. Notably, they are seven points behind the Champions League zone, but there is a chance that fifth place could also secure Champions League qualification if Spanish clubs perform strongly in European competitions this season.
Probable line-ups
- Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Pubill, Hancko, Gimenez, Ruggeri; Koke, Llorente; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez
- Real Betis: Valles; Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Avila
Prediction
Atletico will host a tough opponent at home, but I believe they will be able to secure the win. This game will not be as straightforward as the cup tie, but I still suggest a bet on a victory for Los Rojiblancos.
